THE ranks of the Roc Search Reading Santa Run could be swelled with fundraising university students this year.

The University of Reading is holding its RAG week at the beginning of December and are encouraging as many students as possible to get involved.

Organisers of the second Santa Run to grace the town after last year's successful run where £24,000 was raised for charities, hope around 1500 people will line up on Sunday December 6.

Reading University Rag committee member Stef Wenlock said she hoped students would put on their trainers to raise money for the town's charities.

She said they were going to be drumming up support by pitting the various halls of residents and sports clubs against each other "healthy" competition.

The third year microbiology student said: "We will be getting the sports society's on board, and visiting the JCRs to promote this.

"Hopefully we will be well represented on the day.

"The Santa Run is in the middle of Rag week so they will be in gear to raise money.

"It is also the last weekend before the students go home for Christmas and what a great way to end the term especially for the freshers."

Also as part of Rag week the university is also hosting the National Blood Service and the Anthony Nolan Trust.

The Mayor is set to fire the starting gun near Forbury Gardens in the town centre at 9am on Sunday December 6 and present the prizes to the first three men and women across the finishing line.

This year the Santa Run kicks off at 8.30am with a 1.5km junior fun run for children under 10. The 5km main route will be under starters orders at 9am.

Each entrant will get a 2015 medal and a goody bag as well as a Santa suit and beard to be worn. Entrance costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for the under 10 race, including adults accompanying children aged under eight years.

Runners can apply for a place by visiting readingsantarun.co.uk